Excellence in Food Tourism

Supported by the South Australian Tourism Industry Council

This category is open to food producers, providers, tour operators, cooking schools, food attractions, farm gate experiences, farmers markets, trails and other food tourism experiences in South Australia, featuring South Australian produce as the core component.

1. TOURISM EXCELLENCE (20 marks)

a) Demonstrate your eligibility for this category as related to the descriptor above and provide a brief overview on the nature and history of the business. (6)

b) What food tourism products, experiences and services do you offer? (5)

c) Describe how you highlight food and/or produce as part of the visitor experience. (6)

d) Describe your involvement in the tourism industry. (3)

Tips:

a) Take care to ensure you have entered the right category and that your response aligns to the category descriptor. Failure to demonstrate your eligibility will be reflected in your score. Describe where you are located geographically (include a map shot) and include pictures to help judges visualise your food tourism experience. Refer to the ABOUT US section of your website as this may assist with this response. Judges will want to know how and when the business started, who works in the business, where it is located and how it has developed over the years.

b) The focus of this question is tourism. Describe how your food and/or produce are featured in your business.

c) Detail or give examples of the state or territory food and/or produce showcased, sourced and used, and how this is integral and integrated into the visitor experience.

d) Explain how you have been involved with and contributed to the tourism industry locally, regionally and nationally.

2. BUSINESS PLANNING (10 marks)

a) What are your business’ goals and strategies and outline your outcomes? (5)

b) How do you make your business safe for visitors? Describe your ‘risk management’ strategies. (5)

b)Risk management relates to all parts of your business including risk to the visiting public, specific business-related risk and health and safety. Consider using a practical example or detail an incident and outcome to prove how your risk management strategy works. Also consider displaying information in a matrix form and identifying levels of risk.

3. MARKETING (30 marks)

a) Who are your customers (tourists/ target markets)? Describe the marketing strategies for each target market and detail the success/outcomes of those strategies. (10)

b) What are your unique selling points and how do you promote to your target markets? (10)

c) Explain how your food tourism experience contributes to your region’s tourism appeal and to your State or Territory tourism as a whole. (10)

Tips:

a) Explain how you identify your customers (tourists/ target markets). Displaying your target markets, strategies and outcomes in a table format is recommended. Ideally there should be a strategy and outcome described for each target market listed in your answer. Consider all elements of marketing (e.g. digital, mobile, social networking, sales, advertising, PR and word of mouth) where appropriate. Give examples to back up your statements where you can.

b) Describe your unique selling points. Demonstrate how you differ from your competitors, what sets you apart? Can you provide an example of some of the different ways you promote to each of your target markets?

4. CUSTOMER SERVICE (20 marks)

b) How do you identify and provide for customers with specific needs? (10)

TIPS:

a)Points to consider could include your repeat business strategy, feedback collection and changes implemented based on feedback.

b)Specific needs could include cultural, language, physical, intellectual, dietary and other specific needs e.g. groups, special interest etc. Provide examples of how you catered for customers with specific needs, explain the outcome or successes.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY (20 marks)

a) How do you save and monitor water, energy and reduce waste? (7)

b) How do you involve the local community in your business? (7)

c) How do you support your local economy? (6)

Tips:

a) Consider structuring your answer in 3 parts addressing each of the following: I) how do you save and monitor water 2) how do you save and monitor energy usage and 3) how do you reduce waste? The use of subheadings would be beneficial here. Consider highlighting any innovations that have contributed to each saving/monitoring function. The inclusion of actual measurement data including the amounts saved/reduced in comparison to the previous year may enhance response.

b) Consider access to infrastructure developments, volunteer programs, community identity and pride, and consultation with local communities